Twelve years ago our lives changed forever. Everyone remembers where they were. Everyone felt vulnerable. Everyone hugged their loved ones a little longer. September 11th was not just a day that terrorist attacked the United States, it was the first day of many to come when Americans would show that everyone can be a hero.
Each year a committee of governmental agencies, local businesses and citizens organizes the September 11th Memorial. It is always on September 11th in Sims Park, and it will start promptly at 7 pm.
This is an opportunity for the community and visitors to reflect on our nation’s loss and remember the victims and their families. The memorial services serves as a time for the people to unite as Americans, participate in prayer by local clergy and hear patriotic music by choral groups from local schools. There will also be a display of artwork from Pasco County students.
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The public is invited to bring their 9/11 memorabilia for inclusion in a showcase under a display tent during the memorial that will serve as a tribute to the victims. In addition, community members are also encouraged to participate on “Operation Shoebox.” Operation Shoebox was founded in 2003, as an effort to send support, snacks and much needed personal care items to our troops deployed outside of the USA. Donations, including items such as hard candy, canned food, all kinds of toiletries, small board games and crossword puzzles, from individuals or groups can be made at the memorial service.
“This year marks the 12th anniversary of one of our nation’s greatest tragedies. It is important that all Americans reflect upon the loss we have suffered as a result of the September 11th terrorist attacks and continue to honor the sacrifices of the victims, their families and the brave men and women in the armed services who fight to protect our freedom from those who would do us harm,” said Committee Chairman Heather Fiorentino. “We invite our community to join the memorial as we unite to remember and to help our youth realize freedom isn’t free as they take part in commemorating this occasion. As a community within our great country, we embrace the values of freedom, patriotism, and service to others as we remember those that were proof to it,” she added.
